Kennedy Moran, 17 months, sits atop Santa's lap at Westfield North County Mall in Escondido. Ed Smrt, who has played Santa at the mall for a long time, now sits on a red ornament in his role.

Kennedy Moran, 17 months, sits atop Santa's lap at Westfield North County Mall in Escondido. Ed Smrt, who has played Santa at the mall for a long time, now sits on a red ornament in his role. (John Gastaldo)